As society looks to online resources for answers to nearly everything, the market research industry follows suit with focus group bulletin board discussions. An ever-growing alternative to the live focus group, a focus group bulletin board discussion takes place online where each participant logs in with a username and password.

How They Work

Market researchers select participants in much the same ways as they would live focus groups -- only they select more. Whereas a live focus group features an unbiased moderator asking questions to a panel of eight to 12 participants over a few hours, a focus group bulletin board discussion allows a group of up to 30 individuals to log in and answer questions as they desire for several days or indefinitely. Each answer determines which questions the participant will receive the next time she logs in.

Benefits

The key benefits to bulletin board focus groups are convenience and flexibility. Participants can choose to answer questions at any time and data tabulation can be ongoing. Cost savings are another advantage to this market research mode. With no travel expenses or meals to supply to participants, researchers' funds can go toward advanced research tools and more attractive compensation for group members.

About the Author

Zoe Maletta writes on a variety of topics with special focus on leadership, careers and small business management. Professionally writing since 2007, her many publishers include "The Houston Chronicle", "Global Post Careers" and "The Nest." When she's not writing, Maletta enjoys making memories with family and participating in church ministry. Maletta holds both a B.S.and an M.A. in counseling.